Convention Charts Future Course for Consumers and Service Providers he Arc of Baltimore hosted “Changing Lanes,” the 2004 convention of The Arc of Maryland, on June 11. The convention’s theme reflected an emerging reality in which individuals receiving services play an increasingly large role in mapping out their own futures. Workshops focused on technology, stress relief, disability rights, sibling and family support and strategies for setting goals for programs and services. Six members of The Arc of Baltimore—and the association itself—received awards: Hilary Christian took home Professional of the Year honors for providing quality services that helped increase independence for people with mental retardation. Kathleen Durkin received the Outstanding Advocate Award, presented to someone whose actions have significantly improved the quality of life of an individual, created positive systemic change or protected basic human, civil or legal rights. Rebecca Hoffberger, director of the American Visionary Art Museum in Baltimore, received a Certificate of Appreciation for providing a venue for people with mental retardation to showcase their talents. Dr. Gordon Bonham’s pro bono services to The Arc of Baltimore and the people it supports earned him the Outstanding Chapter Volunteer Award. Senator Delores Kelly received the Legislative Leadership Award for promoting disability related issues in the State Senate. Having retained 95% or more of its previous year’s members, The Arc of Baltimore added a Membership Renewal Certificate to its collection. The Arc of Maryland and the convention planning committee extends appreciation to the following sponsors for their generous support: Synergetec, The Centre for Management and Technology, Mutual of America and Boyd Transportation. Thanks, also, to convention donors Foster Thomas and The Donaldson Group, and to exhibitors Bonham Research, HDIS, Maryland Trust for Retarded Citizens, Inc., Maryland Association for Persons in Supported Employment, NeighborCare, Nutrition Incorporated, RJP/Richard J. Princinsky & Associates, Inc., Ride-Away Handicap Equipment and Sunshine Vending. ■
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Christine Marchand, executive director of The Arc of Maryland, presented Senator Delores Kelly (right) with the 2004 Legislative Leadership Award.
Okay, so it wasn’t Athens. But torchbearer Doug Moore and friends still enjoyed the Club Venture Olympics. One hundred twenty-eight consumers attended camp from August 19–26. Kathleen Durkin was all smiles as she received the
Outstanding Advocate of the Year Award from Ed Worff, president of The Arc of Maryland.
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